Picture Incident
Tonto National Forest
June 2003

For Immediate Release
June 25, 2003 8:30 am

The Picture Fire Nears Full Containment

The Picture Fire suppression effort is going very well. Full containment is expected by Thursday evening. Crews have constructed line around the entire fire; however, full containment cannot be declared until the line is improved and strengthened. Today's efforts will focus on burning out to secure lines and mopping up 100 to 300 feet from the lines. Winds are predicted to be moderate today as temperatures warm to seasonal averages, and the "Red Flag" high wind conditions that we have experienced for the past few days are not expected. Smoke may be visible throughout the day as interior islands of fuel continue to burn.

The fire has burned 12,665 acres in the Tonto National Forest. Acreage is likely to increase as burnout operations continue. There are 1032 people involved with the suppression effort. Resources include 29 crews, 9 helicopters, 14 engines, 8 dozers, and 10 water tenders. No structures have been lost and no serious injuries have occurred on this incident. Demobilization of heavy equipment will begin today, some water tenders and dozers will be released.

Recreational sites, boating sites and roads in the Roosevelt Lake area remain open, however the
Cholla Campground is closed to the public, as it is being used for fire operations. Please respect all fire restrictions that are in place. Extreme fire danger conditions are present throughout Tonto National Forest.

The Southwest Area Incident Management Team Incident Commander Dan Oltrogge said, "with the support of the cooperating agencies, and the patience and cooperation of the local communities, the suppression operations during the Picture Fire were successful. On behalf of the Southwest Area Incident Management Team, I want to extend our extreme gratitude to everyone who assisted us."

For more information, contact Fire Information Center at 928-479-3164, information center hours are
7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Visit the Forest Service website: www.fs.fed.us/r3/fire

###